Curiosity doesn't catch the cat

Residents disagree about handling cougars -- if there are any.

Residents disagree about handling cougars -- if there are any.

March 12, 2006|DENISE PERRY DONAVIN Tribune Correspondent

BERRIEN SPRINGS -- Curiosity about cougars is just about guaranteed to draw a crowd these days in southwest Michigan. A recent panel on the wild cats drew more than 100 people on a Saturday night. Asked why they attended the informational meeting at Mars Elementary School in Berrien Springs -- presented by Berrien County Animal Control -- several people replied, "Just curious." Irwin Keuger said, "We came because we've heard both sides of the issue that cougars are here and that they are not," Irwin Keuger said. "We just want more information." At the conclusion of the meeting, despite more than three hours of presentations and questions and answers, there were still differences of opinion. Differing viewpoints contend that cougars are a growing threat, an expanding population worthy of study and new state control methods, or simply the result of formerly captive animals released into the wild. The panel of experts consisted of Val Grimes, Animal Control Manager for Berrien County, state Rep. Neal Nitz, Dennis Fijalkowski, executive director of the Michigan Wildlife Conservancy, and representatives from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources law enforcement and wildlife divisions including Wildlife Unit Supervisor Sara Schaefer, biologist Steve Chadwick, law enforcement officers Capt. Tim Nixon and Andrew Bauer. Grimes said, "It is important that we are all here since each department has a role to play." Nitz discussed whether current state laws that pay restitution for livestock kills from animals such as coyotes should be expanded to include cougars. Fijalkowski presented a lengthy slide show on the history and lifestyle of the cougar in general and in Michigan. Despite insisting that the purpose of his agency's advocacy of cougar recognition is to teach a peaceful co-existence with wildlife, some of the scenes of cougar feeding were certainly unsettling. A woman in the audience said, "I live in a rural area and have a family and raise horses. How do I protect them?" As discussions on guard dogs ensued, and Fijalkowski suggested mules or donkeys as viable livestock protection, Nixon said, "I would recommend a firearm." He was interrupted by audience members who called out, "I thought it was illegal." Nixon said, "The law states that if a cougar or other predator is about to do damage to your lives or property, you have the right to protect yourself. For me if a cougar was on my horse a firearm is the preferred protection; but it is not the best way for everyone here." Hunting cougars or harassment, such as deliberately pursuing with hounds, is illegal since the cougar is listed as an endangered species. "If," Nixon said, "law enforcement receives a complaint or information about a cougar shot or killed we would take this very seriously and do a thorough investigation." Schaefer said the DNR does not have evidence that there is a breeding population of cougars in southwest Michigan or if the sightings are of escaped pets, since there are people who illegally sell, purchase, and raise wild animals, which often are released when they cannot be fed or controlled any longer. "I think the evidence is there," said Fijalkowski. "I think that there are about 80 to 100 adults (cougars in Michigan) and the numbers are increasing. We could be real deep in cougars with no coherent management plan. They could explode in numbers and we won't be ready. It could be a public safety problem."